Three adults and three teenagers have been charged in connection with a fire at a Lorton Urban Search and Rescue training facility. The June 27 fire caused an estimated $1 million to $1.3 million in damages.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to reports of a fire at the 9000 block of Furnace Road in Lorton at around 5:20 p.m. Crews found a storage facility containing equipment fully engulfed in flames.
The fire destroyed heavy-duty equipment used to train for disaster responses by multiple departments, including Virginia Task Force 1. No injuries were reported.
Fire Investiation
FCPD detectives worked the case alongside the county’s fire marshal office and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Officers in the Real Time Crime Center reviewed surveillance footage from the property and observed several individuals entering the facility before the fire and leaving the area after it began. Police released video of the incident to the public, which generated several tips.
Detectives also used Flock license plate reader technology to help detectives identify a vehicle connected to the case.
Suspects Arrested
On September 3, detectives executed simultaneous search and arrest warrants at three residences.
Ricky Torres, 26, of Fairfax, was arrested and charged with burglary and trespassing. He was held on a $1,000 secured bond, which he later posted. Brice Bartley, 18, of Fairfax, was arrested and charged with burglary and trespassing. He is being held without bond. Aidan Smith, 18, of Clifton, was arrested and charged with burglary and trespassing. He was held on a $1,000 secured bond, which he later posted.
Three 17-year-old juveniles were also each charged with burglary and trespassing. FCPD says additional charges are anticipated.
Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the West Springfield District Station at 703-644-7377 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Solvers.
Feature image courtesy Fairfax County Police Department
